In the spring of 2004, a few Sandwich Little League volunteers organized a small group of physically and developmentally disabled children to play baseball for a six week period during the little league season. Deemed a huge success by everyone, many of the parents expressed the need for a program that offered year-round recreational and social opportunities for their children. After months of planning and discussion, husband and wife Kelvin Ing and Amy Lipkind, who have no special needs children of their own, incorporated the Cape Cod Challenger Clubin August 2005 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

The mission of theCape Cod Challenger Clubis to enrich the quality of life for children and adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities by providing them with the opportunity to participate in a variety of athletic, recreational and social activities that are most often not available to them under typical circumstances.

What began with a handful of baseball players has now grown into a year-round athletic, recreational and social activities program for children and young adults with disabilities. With over 300 participants, and nearly as many volunteers, the Cape Cod Challenger Club now shares its own facility with the Cape Cod Collaborative. Occupying a formerly closed elementary school that has now been completely renovated to meet the needs of its special population, the Club controls its own fields, gymnasium, recreation rooms, kitchen and cafetorium with a stage area. Continuing to grow and keeping the organization going strong has been a “labor of love” for Kelvin and Amy who still oversee and operate the Cape Cod Challenger Club as volunteers. There is no paid administrative or support staff and the organization is funded solely through charitable contributions, fundraising and grants.

In 2006, Amy & Kelvin received the Outstanding Inspiration Awardfrom the Planned Giving Council of Cape Cod in recognition of the achievements of the Cape Cod Challenger Club in its inaugural year. In March of 2007, Amy and Kelvin were recognized at a ceremony in Boston by the Federation for Children with Special Needs with the Community Partnership Award. Over the years the Cape Cod Challenger Club has been recognized by numerous organizations and agencies for its outstanding work.